Iraq war spurred advancements in military medicine

Updated 1:53 am, Monday, March 25, 2013

Image 1of/79

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 79

Shilo Harris was severely wounded in an explosion in Iraq.

Shilo Harris was severely wounded in an explosion in Iraq.

Image 2 of 79

The Harris family gets a look around after being greeted by Ty Pennington as the Extreme Makeover Home Edition provides a house for the Shilo Harris family outside of Floresville, Texas on January 21, 2012 Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News

The Harris family gets a look around after being greeted by Ty Pennington as the Extreme Makeover Home Edition provides a house for the Shilo Harris family outside of Floresville, Texas on January 21, 2012 Tom

Sgt. Shilo Harris was in the front seat of this Humvee, which was hit by a powerful roadside bomb south of Baghdad on Feb. 19, 2007. His team was in search of an IED but didn't realize they had been lured into an insurgent ambush.

Sgt. Shilo Harris was in the front seat of this Humvee, which was hit by a powerful roadside bomb south of Baghdad on Feb. 19, 2007. His team was in search of an IED but didn't realize they had been lured into

A U.S. soldier keeps watch as a Kuwaiti backhoe breaks through a 15-foot berm (wall of sand) on the Iraqi border to create a path for armed forces vehicles on March 20, 2003, in the northern Kuwaiti desert. Iraq reportedly fired a scud missile toward Kuwait City, which was shot down by a patriot missile. less

A U.S. soldier keeps watch as a Kuwaiti backhoe breaks through a 15-foot berm (wall of sand) on the Iraqi border to create a path for armed forces vehicles on March 20, 2003, in the northern Kuwaiti desert. ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 6 of 79

A Kuwaiti backhoe breaks through a 15-foot berm (wall of sand) and into Iraq to create a future path for armed forces vehicles on March 20, 2003, on the Kuwait/Iraq border. Iraq reportedly fired a scud missile toward Kuwait City, which was shot down by a patriot missile. less

A Kuwaiti backhoe breaks through a 15-foot berm (wall of sand) and into Iraq to create a future path for armed forces vehicles on March 20, 2003, on the Kuwait/Iraq border. Iraq reportedly fired a scud missile ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 7 of 79

Sgt. Travis Crosby (GA) flies an American flag from an antenna on his crew's armored vehicle in southern Iraq on March 21, 2003. A1C Nick Taylor (OH), right, helps Crosby with the flag.

Sgt. Travis Crosby (GA) flies an American flag from an antenna on his crew's armored vehicle in southern Iraq on March 21, 2003. A1C Nick Taylor (OH), right, helps Crosby with the flag.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 8 of 79

A burned-out Iraqi tank left over from the Gulf War sits in the southern Iraqi desert as 3rd Infantry troops move north toward Jalabad Airfield on March 21, 2003.

A burned-out Iraqi tank left over from the Gulf War sits in the southern Iraqi desert as 3rd Infantry troops move north toward Jalabad Airfield on March 21, 2003.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 9 of 79

Humvees and tanks negotiate a muddy, one-lane road as 3rd Infantry troops move north on March 22, 2003. Troops moved unopposed toward the heart of Iraq.

Humvees and tanks negotiate a muddy, one-lane road as 3rd Infantry troops move north on March 22, 2003. Troops moved unopposed toward the heart of Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 10 of 79

During a light moment, soldiers in the 3rd Infantry play a game of throwing desert fruit at each other while they wait to move to their next location on March 22, 2003. Troops moved unopposed toward the heart of Iraq. less

During a light moment, soldiers in the 3rd Infantry play a game of throwing desert fruit at each other while they wait to move to their next location on March 22, 2003. Troops moved unopposed toward the heart ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 11 of 79

A1C Nick Taylor keeps his gun trained as SSgt. Travis Crosby looks for a possible sniper on March 22, 2003. First brigade troops moving north toward the heart of Iraq had heard reports of a possible sniper in the area as they were traveling through. less

A1C Nick Taylor keeps his gun trained as SSgt. Travis Crosby looks for a possible sniper on March 22, 2003. First brigade troops moving north toward the heart of Iraq had heard reports of a possible sniper in ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 12 of 79

U.S. forces take three enemy POWs after a battle near Ah Najaf as 3rd Infantry troops moved north through the central farmlands of Iraq on March 23, 2003.

U.S. forces take three enemy POWs after a battle near Ah Najaf as 3rd Infantry troops moved north through the central farmlands of Iraq on March 23, 2003.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 13 of 79

Spc. Bryan Slick removes his goggles after a day of battle in Ah Najaf on March 23, 2003. Slick is an armored personnel carrier driver.

Spc. Bryan Slick removes his goggles after a day of battle in Ah Najaf on March 23, 2003. Slick is an armored personnel carrier driver.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 14 of 79

A burned out Iraqi military truck with a 57mm anti-aircraft gun mounted in the back burns after being bombed by American forces at Ah Najaf on March 23, 2003. Two Iraqi soldiers were reportedly killed in the blast. less

A burned out Iraqi military truck with a 57mm anti-aircraft gun mounted in the back burns after being bombed by American forces at Ah Najaf on March 23, 2003. Two Iraqi soldiers were reportedly killed in the ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 15 of 79

Two Iraqis wave their hands at Task Force 369 soldiers while driving byas the 3rd Infantry move north through the central farmlands of Iraq on March 23, 2003. It was unknown whether they were trying to be friendly or show that they were unarmed. less

Two Iraqis wave their hands at Task Force 369 soldiers while driving byas the 3rd Infantry move north through the central farmlands of Iraq on March 23, 2003. It was unknown whether they were trying to be ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 16 of 79

Air Force tactical air controllers Capt. Shad Magann (FL), left, and Sgt. Travis Crosby (GA) control the air from their Humvee as they send nine morning missions to bomb targets in a region north of them on March 24, 2003, in South Central Iraq. less

Air Force tactical air controllers Capt. Shad Magann (FL), left, and Sgt. Travis Crosby (GA) control the air from their Humvee as they send nine morning missions to bomb targets in a region north of them on ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 17 of 79

A1C Nick Taylor (OH) sits alone in the back of an M113-A3 armored carrier during a break in action in South Cental Iraq on March 24, 2003.

A1C Nick Taylor (OH) sits alone in the back of an M113-A3 armored carrier during a break in action in South Cental Iraq on March 24, 2003.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 18 of 79

U.S. forces take three enemy POWs after a battle near Ah Najaf as 3rd Infantry troops moved north through the central farmlands of Iraq on March 23, 2003.

U.S. forces take three enemy POWs after a battle near Ah Najaf as 3rd Infantry troops moved north through the central farmlands of Iraq on March 23, 2003.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 19 of 79

Sgt. Sirvantis Dennis sleeps on a cot outside his vehicle after working overnight in the 1st Brigade's tactical operations center on March 24, 2003, in an area south of Baghdad.

Sgt. Sirvantis Dennis sleeps on a cot outside his vehicle after working overnight in the 1st Brigade's tactical operations center on March 24, 2003, in an area south of Baghdad.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 20 of 79

A task force 369 soldier of the 1st Brigade, 3ID sleeps on a cot in front of a row of armored vehicles that make up the 1st Brigade's tactical operations center south of Baghdad in Iraq on March 24, 2003.

A task force 369 soldier of the 1st Brigade, 3ID sleeps on a cot in front of a row of armored vehicles that make up the 1st Brigade's tactical operations center south of Baghdad in Iraq on March 24, 2003.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 21 of 79

A soldier stands inside his vehicle at the scene of a battle in Kifil as a sandstorm moves in on March 25, 2003.

A soldier stands inside his vehicle at the scene of a battle in Kifil as a sandstorm moves in on March 25, 2003.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 22 of 79

Air Force SSgt. Travis Crosby (GA) adjusts his night vision goggles as a sandstorm creates a brownout effect in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003. Heavy clouds of dust and sand reduced visibility and brought the dark a few hours early. less

Air Force SSgt. Travis Crosby (GA) adjusts his night vision goggles as a sandstorm creates a brownout effect in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003. Heavy clouds of dust and sand reduced visibility and brought the ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 23 of 79

A U.S. soldier looks through his binoculars as a severe sandstorm creates a brownout near the scene of a battle with Iraqi soldiers in South Central Iraq on March 25, 2003.

A U.S. soldier looks through his binoculars as a severe sandstorm creates a brownout near the scene of a battle with Iraqi soldiers in South Central Iraq on March 25, 2003.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 24 of 79

A U.S. soldier takes a picture of a pair of dead Iraqi soldiers after a battle with U.S. troops at a bridge crossing the Euphrates River in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003.

A U.S. soldier takes a picture of a pair of dead Iraqi soldiers after a battle with U.S. troops at a bridge crossing the Euphrates River in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 25 of 79

A U.S. tank searches through a lush field near the Euphrates River during a battle with Iraqi soldiers in South Central Iraq on March 25, 2003. U.S. troops were crossing a nearby bridge when Iraqis tried to blow it up. The bridge was damaged but passable. less

A U.S. tank searches through a lush field near the Euphrates River during a battle with Iraqi soldiers in South Central Iraq on March 25, 2003. U.S. troops were crossing a nearby bridge when Iraqis tried to ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 26 of 79

Two U.S soldiers cover a dead Iraqi soldier after a battle near a bridge over the Euphrates River in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003. The Iraqis reportedly tried to blow up the bridge as U.S. troops drove over it. The bridge sustained damage, but was still passable. less

Two U.S soldiers cover a dead Iraqi soldier after a battle near a bridge over the Euphrates River in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003. The Iraqis reportedly tried to blow up the bridge as U.S. troops drove over ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 27 of 79

U.S. soldiers watch the waterfront as a Marine reconnaissance group inspects the integrity of a bridge damaged by Iraqi bombs in South Central Iraq on March 25, 2003. The bridge was still passable.

U.S. soldiers watch the waterfront as a Marine reconnaissance group inspects the integrity of a bridge damaged by Iraqi bombs in South Central Iraq on March 25, 2003. The bridge was still passable.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 28 of 79

Cpl. Bryan Beard (KS) walks against a stiff wind on guard duty near the Army 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division operations center in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003.

Cpl. Bryan Beard (KS) walks against a stiff wind on guard duty near the Army 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division operations center in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 29 of 79

Black smoke billows from a blown up Iraqi military truck over a ridge as 3rd Infantry troops move toward an escarpment in Ah Najaf on March 23, 2003. The white smoke is caused by a concealment grenade fired by a U.S. tank. less

Black smoke billows from a blown up Iraqi military truck over a ridge as 3rd Infantry troops move toward an escarpment in Ah Najaf on March 23, 2003. The white smoke is caused by a concealment grenade fired by ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Image 30 of 79

Two U.S. soldiers run back to their tanks in an unsecure zone after covering the body of an Iraqi soldier and taking his weapon in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003. U.S. troops battled Iraqis, who tried to blow up a bridge U.S. troops were crossing. Another soldier inside the minivan was killed as well. less

Two U.S. soldiers run back to their tanks in an unsecure zone after covering the body of an Iraqi soldier and taking his weapon in Southern Iraq on March 25, 2003. U.S. troops battled Iraqis, who tried to blow ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 31 of 79

A Humvee moves across the desert as the sun sets near the Task Force 3/69 command center in south central Iraq on March 27, 2003. After two days of heavy sandstorm, the skies cleared Thursday with sunny, weather and good visibility. less

A Humvee moves across the desert as the sun sets near the Task Force 3/69 command center in south central Iraq on March 27, 2003. After two days of heavy sandstorm, the skies cleared Thursday with sunny, ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, AP

Image 32 of 79

A1C Nick Taylor of Ohio drinks water while working in the back of the Task Force 3/69 air liaison vehicle in south-central Iraq on March 27, 2003. Taylor was helping control air traffic as coalition forces bombed strategic Iraqi targets. less

A1C Nick Taylor of Ohio drinks water while working in the back of the Task Force 3/69 air liaison vehicle in south-central Iraq on March 27, 2003. Taylor was helping control air traffic as coalition forces ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, AP

Image 33 of 79

Lt. Kyle Wiginton removes his gas mask after a false alarm on the morning of March 28, 2003. Troops later were forced to wear their masks again after U.S. bombers blasted a series of large fuel storage cells about 25 kilometers away. less

Lt. Kyle Wiginton removes his gas mask after a false alarm on the morning of March 28, 2003. Troops later were forced to wear their masks again after U.S. bombers blasted a series of large fuel storage cells ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 34 of 79

A black cloud of smoke rises in the distance as a soldier with Task Force 3/69 walks to his vehicle in his gas mask on March 28, 2003, in the Iraqi desert. U.S. bombers blasted a series of large fuel storage cells and many surrounding troops were ordered to wear their gas mask until it was certain no chemicals were released into the air. less

A black cloud of smoke rises in the distance as a soldier with Task Force 3/69 walks to his vehicle in his gas mask on March 28, 2003, in the Iraqi desert. U.S. bombers blasted a series of large fuel storage ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 35 of 79

A feral animal roams for food near the Army 27 Infantry's assembly area on March 29, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. Several soldiers said a barbecued fox would probably taste better than their MREs. The fox went unharmed. less

A feral animal roams for food near the Army 27 Infantry's assembly area on March 29, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. Several soldiers said a barbecued fox would probably taste better than their MREs. ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 36 of 79

Sgt. Andrew Barnett (GA) with the Army 27 Infantry of 1st Brigade reads the Bible in the back of his truck on March 29, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Sgt. Andrew Barnett (GA) with the Army 27 Infantry of 1st Brigade reads the Bible in the back of his truck on March 29, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 37 of 79

Spc. Joe Perez (GA) carries boxes of MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat) to his vehicle at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. Each box holds twelve MREs.

Spc. Joe Perez (GA) carries boxes of MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat) to his vehicle at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. Each box holds twelve MREs.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, EXPRESS-NEWS FILE PHOTO

Image 38 of 79

Lt1. Rodney McCutcheon (SC) fills a five gallon jug with potable water from a tank at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. With supply lines falling behind, troops are rationing water to two 1.5 liter bottles a day per person. less

Lt1. Rodney McCutcheon (SC) fills a five gallon jug with potable water from a tank at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. With supply lines falling behind, ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 39 of 79

A1C Nick Taylor (OH), Spc. Bryan Slick (MD) and SrA. Dan Housley (Huntsville, TX) bide their time in the late afternoon at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. For many with the 3rd Infantry Division, this was another day of waiting until until the start of their next objective. less

A1C Nick Taylor (OH), Spc. Bryan Slick (MD) and SrA. Dan Housley (Huntsville, TX) bide their time in the late afternoon at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 40 of 79

Sgt. Jose Rodriguez (PR) eats an MRE on top of his AVLB (Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge) on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Sgt. Jose Rodriguez (PR) eats an MRE on top of his AVLB (Armored Vehicle Launch Bridge) on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 41 of 79

Sgt. Jason Ostrow (OR) digs into the Chicken and Salsa entree portion of his MRE on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Sgt. Jason Ostrow (OR) digs into the Chicken and Salsa entree portion of his MRE on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 42 of 79

Tech Sgt. Keith Menke (WI) cleans his feet with baby wipes on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. Menke said he cleans them and changes his socks about every four days.

Tech Sgt. Keith Menke (WI) cleans his feet with baby wipes on March 30, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. Menke said he cleans them and changes his socks about every four days.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 43 of 79

Airman Nick Taylor (OH) puts his feet up to rest and air out while resting on a slow day at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 31, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. Monday was one of the hotter days since the beginning of the war, signalling a change in weather. less

Airman Nick Taylor (OH) puts his feet up to rest and air out while resting on a slow day at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 31, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. Monday was one of the hotter ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 44 of 79

Members of 3rd Infantry Division's Task Force 3-69 set up their tactical operations center after moving their camp north on March 31, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Members of 3rd Infantry Division's Task Force 3-69 set up their tactical operations center after moving their camp north on March 31, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 45 of 79

Vapor trails from Air Force bombers fill the sky near Karbala on April 1, 2003, in Iraq. U.S. troops pushed north toward the crucial city on their way to Baghdad.

Vapor trails from Air Force bombers fill the sky near Karbala on April 1, 2003, in Iraq. U.S. troops pushed north toward the crucial city on their way to Baghdad.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 46 of 79

A1C Nick Taylor (OH), left, and SSgt. Travis Crosby (GA) change the month on a pinup calendar in the back of their vehicle at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on April 1, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert. Many thought the war would be winding down at this point. less

A1C Nick Taylor (OH), left, and SSgt. Travis Crosby (GA) change the month on a pinup calendar in the back of their vehicle at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on April 1, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 47 of 79

A soldier with the 3rd Infantry Division uses a poncho for shade as he sleeps at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 31, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

A soldier with the 3rd Infantry Division uses a poncho for shade as he sleeps at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on March 31, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 48 of 79

Two soldiers pass the time wrestling in the Iraqi desert while waiting to move north at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on April 1, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Two soldiers pass the time wrestling in the Iraqi desert while waiting to move north at the Task Force 3-69 assembly area on April 1, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 49 of 79

An Iraqi tank explodes after being blasted by an Abrams Tank during a battle for control of a critical bridge north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq.

An Iraqi tank explodes after being blasted by an Abrams Tank during a battle for control of a critical bridge north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 50 of 79

A group of Bradleys and tanks cross the Euphrates River over a bridge considered critical to the U.S. cause north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq. Task Force 3-69 troops battled Iraqi forces for the bridge which spans the Euphrates River. less

A group of Bradleys and tanks cross the Euphrates River over a bridge considered critical to the U.S. cause north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq. Task Force 3-69 troops battled Iraqi forces for the bridge ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 51 of 79

Destroyed Iraqi vehicles burn South of Baghdad on April 3, 2003 as the 3ID's 1st Brigade move towards Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

Destroyed Iraqi vehicles burn South of Baghdad on April 3, 2003 as the 3ID's 1st Brigade move towards Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 52 of 79

Task Force 3-69 infantrymen are shielded by a Bradley as they fight Iraqi forces for control of an essential bridge over the Euphrates River north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq.

Task Force 3-69 infantrymen are shielded by a Bradley as they fight Iraqi forces for control of an essential bridge over the Euphrates River north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 53 of 79

Abrams tanks move forward along a smoke and fire filled roadway during a battle with Iraqi troops for a critical bridge spanning the Euphrates River north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq.

Abrams tanks move forward along a smoke and fire filled roadway during a battle with Iraqi troops for a critical bridge spanning the Euphrates River north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 54 of 79

A car burns on a bridge spanning the Euphrates River as U.S. forces fight to secure the bridge north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq.

A car burns on a bridge spanning the Euphrates River as U.S. forces fight to secure the bridge north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 55 of 79

A Task Force 3-69 infantry soldier runs between tanks during a battle for a critical bridge north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq. The battle lasted several hours as the U.S. pounded Iraqi troops in the area. less

A Task Force 3-69 infantry soldier runs between tanks during a battle for a critical bridge north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq. The battle lasted several hours as the U.S. pounded Iraqi troops in the ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 56 of 79

An Iraqi vehicle burns and after being attacked by Apache helicopters north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq. Task Force 3-69 pushed north Wednesday, securing a bridge considered essential to U.S. plans.

An Iraqi vehicle burns and after being attacked by Apache helicopters north of Karbala on April 2, 2003, in Iraq. Task Force 3-69 pushed north Wednesday, securing a bridge considered essential to U.S. plans.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 57 of 79

A soldier with second brigade rides in the hatch of his armored vehicle through the town of Kiffel on April 3, 2003, in Iraq.

A soldier with second brigade rides in the hatch of his armored vehicle through the town of Kiffel on April 3, 2003, in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 58 of 79

A Bradley fighting vehicle moves past plumes of smoke from destroyed Iraqi army vehicles as Task Force 3-69 pushes north past the Karbala Gap on April 2, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

A Bradley fighting vehicle moves past plumes of smoke from destroyed Iraqi army vehicles as Task Force 3-69 pushes north past the Karbala Gap on April 2, 2003, in the South Central Iraqi desert.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 59 of 79

A U.S. soldier is seen through a bullethole in a pane of glass on a hangar door on April 4, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq. U.S. troops had secured the airport after battling Iraqi forces.

A U.S. soldier is seen through a bullethole in a pane of glass on a hangar door on April 4, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq. U.S. troops had secured the airport after battling Iraqi forces.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, AP

Image 60 of 79

Third Infantry Division ground forces secure a gated area at Saddam International Airport early Friday, April 4, 2003, in Iraq.

Third Infantry Division ground forces secure a gated area at Saddam International Airport early Friday, April 4, 2003, in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 61 of 79

A bombed out plane shows the aftermath of overnight fighting for control of Saddam International Airport early Friday on April 4, 2003, outside of Baghdad Iraq. U.S. and Iraqi troops clashed overnight.

A bombed out plane shows the aftermath of overnight fighting for control of Saddam International Airport early Friday on April 4, 2003, outside of Baghdad Iraq. U.S. and Iraqi troops clashed overnight.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 62 of 79

Sgt. William Coultry (Americus, GA), a tank commander, pauses by his vehicle after a morning battle at Saddam International Airport Friday, April 4, 2003, in Iraq.

Sgt. William Coultry (Americus, GA), a tank commander, pauses by his vehicle after a morning battle at Saddam International Airport Friday, April 4, 2003, in Iraq.

SSgt. Travis Crosby (GA) sits atop his tracked vehicle after a night of fighting at Saddam International Airport on April 4, 2003 in Iraq.

SSgt. Travis Crosby (GA) sits atop his tracked vehicle after a night of fighting at Saddam International Airport on April 4, 2003 in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 65 of 79

An Iraqi POW waits in line form processing at a hangar Friday, April 4, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

An Iraqi POW waits in line form processing at a hangar Friday, April 4, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 66 of 79

Air Force Cpt. Shad Magann, SSg. Travis Crosby, and Spc Bryan Slick sleep in the back of an armored vehicle after an overnight and early morning fight for control of Saddam International Airport on April 4, 2003, in Iraq. less

Air Force Cpt. Shad Magann, SSg. Travis Crosby, and Spc Bryan Slick sleep in the back of an armored vehicle after an overnight and early morning fight for control of Saddam International Airport on April 4, ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 67 of 79

Spc. Billy Pfeifer (Anchorage, AK) on guard duty on April 4, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

Spc. Billy Pfeifer (Anchorage, AK) on guard duty on April 4, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 68 of 79

Iraqi POWs are numbered with a marker as they are processed at a hangar on April 4, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

Iraqi POWs are numbered with a marker as they are processed at a hangar on April 4, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 69 of 79

Iraqi money with lipstick lips over Saddam Hussein's face sits on the floor as a U.S. soldier inventories the belongings of a detained Iraqi Friday, April 4, 2003 at Saddam International Airport in Iraq. Many Iraqi POWs have reportedly been found with large wads of currency in their pockets, but the value of the money was uncertain. less

Iraqi money with lipstick lips over Saddam Hussein's face sits on the floor as a U.S. soldier inventories the belongings of a detained Iraqi Friday, April 4, 2003 at Saddam International Airport in Iraq. Many ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 70 of 79

An army vehicle with moves past a burned out plane on a runway at Saddam International Airport early Friday on April 4, 2003, in Iraq after overnight fighting for control of the airport.

An army vehicle with moves past a burned out plane on a runway at Saddam International Airport early Friday on April 4, 2003, in Iraq after overnight fighting for control of the airport.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 71 of 79

Spc. Brad Buring (CA) hangs an American flag where his company set up camp under a concrete awning on April 5, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq. U.S. forces that had captured the airport were working to set up their areas, even using furniture found inside a reception building. less

Spc. Brad Buring (CA) hangs an American flag where his company set up camp under a concrete awning on April 5, 2003, at Saddam International Airport in Iraq. U.S. forces that had captured the airport were ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 72 of 79

A U.S. soldier walks through a large house Saturday, April 5, 2003. near Saddam International Airport in Iraq. Task Force 3-69 is using furniture from nearby mansions to use in the command center they are setting up at the airport. less

A U.S. soldier walks through a large house Saturday, April 5, 2003. near Saddam International Airport in Iraq. Task Force 3-69 is using furniture from nearby mansions to use in the command center they are ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 73 of 79

A soldier walks up a marble staircase in a large house on April 5, 2003, near Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

A soldier walks up a marble staircase in a large house on April 5, 2003, near Saddam International Airport in Iraq.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 74 of 79

The front entry room of a large house, complete with marble bannisters, intricate designs and crystal chandeliers, photographed on April 5, 2003, near Baghdad.

The front entry room of a large house, complete with marble bannisters, intricate designs and crystal chandeliers, photographed on April 5, 2003, near Baghdad.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 75 of 79

A Bradley guards the back side of one of Saddam Hussein's palaces, which is surrounded by a lake on April 7, 2003, in western Baghdad. U.S. forces overtook the compound in a morning effort.

A Bradley guards the back side of one of Saddam Hussein's palaces, which is surrounded by a lake on April 7, 2003, in western Baghdad. U.S. forces overtook the compound in a morning effort.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 76 of 79

Col. Rock Marcone keeps communications with other 1st Brigade elements after taking over one of Saddam Hussein's palaces on April 7, 2003, in western Baghdad. Troops took the palace with little resistance.

Col. Rock Marcone keeps communications with other 1st Brigade elements after taking over one of Saddam Hussein's palaces on April 7, 2003, in western Baghdad. Troops took the palace with little resistance.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 77 of 79

Air Force SSt. Michael Cmelik, left Capt. Shad Magann and SSt. Travis Crosby sunbathe lakeside during downtime on April 10, 2003, at one of Saddam Hussein's palace in western Baghdad.

Air Force SSt. Michael Cmelik, left Capt. Shad Magann and SSt. Travis Crosby sunbathe lakeside during downtime on April 10, 2003, at one of Saddam Hussein's palace in western Baghdad.

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 78 of 79

Member of the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron toast each other on their last night together on April 17, 2003, at Presidential Palace North in western Baghdad. Some of the crew will begin the process of deploying home while others will remain to serve at the division level. less

Member of the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron toast each other on their last night together on April 17, 2003, at Presidential Palace North in western Baghdad. Some of the crew will begin the process of ... more

Photo: BAHRAM MARK SOBHANI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS

Image 79 of 79

Iraq war spurred advancements in military medicine

1 / 79

Back to Gallery

Burned over 35 percent of his body and missing his ears, both pinkie fingers and his left index finger, Shilo Harris, 38, is alive, thanks, ironically, to a long war in Iraq that has driven a revolution in military medicine.

Six months into his second tour of Iraq, Harris and his team were hit by an improvised explosive device south of Baghdad on Feb. 19, 2007. Three of his crew were killed, and another GI was injured. Their armored Humvee was torn into pieces.

“I remember my friend coming over and checking on me,” Harris said. “He was standing over me and was looking at me in sheer terror.”

He was treated quickly in the field and flown to a military hospital in Germany.

Placed in a drug-induced coma, Harris was put on continuous renal replacement therapy, a form of artificial kidney support used in only a few intensive care units around the country at the beginning of the war.

Most Popular

The war also has spurred transformations in technology, as well as the development of a sophisticated military research and clinical care network that has grown exponentially here.

It has pumped millions of dollars into the San Antonio-area economy, helped spur the creation of joint medic training and improved care for 240,000 military health beneficiaries as well as civilian emergency patients in this region.

“Had we been in this war for one or two years, we might not have had this sustained focus on combat casualty care research, but I've been to Afghanistan three times and Iraq twice, and because of the duration, we've had the opportunity,” said Air Force Col. Todd Rasmussen, a vascular and trauma surgeon and deputy commander of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research in San Antonio.

“That's the strange silver lining of war,” he added.

America has been at war nearly 12 years, and many of the advances began after the invasion of Iraq a decade ago. There have been a vast array of improvements, from combat medic and forward surgical care to the control of bleeding and the development of an air evacuation system early in the Iraq war called the Del Rio model, based on a network first utilized in South Texas.

The Iraq war claimed the lives of 4,475 U.S. troops, and 32,221 were wounded, Defense Department statistics show. Coalition deaths and injuries jumped from 2004 to 2007 with the victims often targeted by roadside bombs called improvised explosive devices.

The IEDs turned a trickle of wounded at the San Antonio Military Medical Center into a flood. In 2003, SAMMC cared for 78 Iraq burn victims, but two years later the number had risen to 190.

More Information

Database: Soldiers and civilians from South Texas who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since the start of military operations.

Keys dates in the Iraq War

Timeline: 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of the Iraq War, starting with U.S.-led coalition launching Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 19, 2003. Here's a look back at key dates from the conflict.

The burn center has treated more than 1,140 military personnel from both theaters of war and those injured while training or preparing to deploy. Of those, 971 were burned in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Magnet for military medicine

Many of those burned, like Harris, also lost limbs. In all, 1,590 U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan had amputations, said Dewey Mitchell, a spokesman for the San Antonio Military Medical Center, with 837 hurt in Iraq.

As they arrived here every few days on medical evacuation flights, the city became a magnet for combat medics, doctors, technicians and researchers. Renz's burn center staff stood at 300 at the peak of the Iraq war as the services improved battlefield care, combat support hospitals and air evacuation. A physician, he deployed three times.

The military found ways to better control bleeding, changed rules that encouraged the use of tourniquets and came up with new ways to use blood components to prevent potentially fatal hemorrhaging and clots. Decades after Vietnam, a discussion began over how to improve Iraq's trauma system. The result: More GIs survived, but the severity of their injuries was greater than what had been seen before.

“If you make it now to the combat support hospital, you've got about a 95 percent chance of survival,” Renz said. “Well, previously those patients didn't make it back here, so we didn't see these kinds of survivors. So now you see a triple amputee with a complex injury to their head and their abdomen, their chest ... that's a new category of complex injury.”

Though air evacuation has been in place for more than half a century, Rasmussen, 46, the vascular and trauma surgeon, said the Del Rio model was grafted into the Iraq medical care network in 2004. The model has been in place here since the 1990s and relies on air transportation to move critically ill patients over a 26,000-square-mile area from Eagle Pass and Del Rio to San Antonio hospitals.

Retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, 38, of San Antonio was the first U.S. serviceman injured in the invasion. He was flown out of Iraq to Kuwait on March 21, 2003, and eight hours later was on a flight to Germany.

The Army Medical Department Center and School, meanwhile, revised its doctrine on hypothermia and started using a resuscitation fluid called Hextend, which reduces or prevents shock. It also created the Warrior Aid and Litter Kit, dubbed WALK, which is now used in the war zone. Forward surgical teams and combat support hospitals were redesigned, and a Joint Theater Trauma Registry was created.

The Army's elite burn flight team has been around for more than half a century, and it has logged more than 90 missions since 2003, flying 300 patients from Germany to San Antonio. Helicopters, too, have played a major role in saving lives, with the equipment and crews aboard them increasingly skilled and sophisticated.

Maj. Gen. Byron Hepburn, a former Air Force evacuation pilot with more than 3,000 hours in the cockpit, helped prepare the C-17 cargo plane during the early 1990s for flying ill and wounded patients.

The jet nowadays is a flying ICU, a platform for medical evacuation and Critical Care Air Transport teams, created at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland during the 1990s to care for the worst-injured patients.

Life-saving evacuation

After Harris was evacuated from Iraq, his wife and parents were flown to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to be with him because of his critical condition. Soon, the burn flight team arrived from San Antonio.

Standing on one side of the room, Kathreyn Harris saw the team wrapping her husband's burns. The situation was dire. A small percentage of people as badly hurt as he was survive the renal therapy, which is similar to dialysis, but the team had another statistic in its hip pocket: If the wounded GI makes it to the burn center, the survival rate hits 99 percent.

“I could see his muscles. I could see his triceps move when they raised his arm up and moved his forearm. The medics did that as a procedure to keep him from losing his arms and hopefully his hands,” Kathreyn Harris said.

“It was a little creepy, but I remember the nurse looking at me, and I remember the confidence that he had,” sobbed Harris, the mother of five children. “He said, 'He will be fine, he will be OK, we have him now.'”